Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has sought support from all the heads of political parties for the passage of "Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2013" from the Parliament. The Prime Minister on Saturday wrote a letter to the heads of all political parties in the wake of promulgation of "Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2013" stating that he is sure that heads of political parties would spare some time to give it a reading and support the government in its passage through the parliament in due course with the same spirit and determination that they exhibited during the recently-held All-Party Conference.
The contents of the letter read: "Parliamentarians were elected by the people of Pakistan with the hope to end the extended regime of terror unleashed since the adoption of post-9/11 policies. Decades of dictatorial regime and mis-governance have resulted in complete erosion of state writ and authority.
Apart from the remote areas, safe havens in urban centers and towns have also become a cause of serious concern. Coupled with the failure of law enforcement agencies responsible for internal security and prosecution of criminals, due to a variety of reasons, we are currently facing a situation where life and property of the people is in grave danger. On the other hand, the organised mafia is roaming free due to legal vacuum created by constant tampering with different legislations over an extended period of time. Resultantly, the socio-economic fabric of our society as well as the age-old value system binding this nation is in danger of disintegration.
It is in this context and with a view to the potential unfolding events in post-2014 Afghanistan that the federal government considered it imperative to put in place a legal mechanism for intervention to protect the right and liberty of the common man as well as the sovereignty and integrity of the state of Pakistan. A team of legal and security experts have worked diligently to ensure that the new law is in complete consonance with the constitution of Pakistan.
I am enclosing a copy of the "Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2013", which is being promulgated with a view to give a strong message to the organised crime and anti-state elements regarding the will and determination of the state and the people of Pakistan to face and eliminate all challenges to sovereignty and integrity of the country. I am sure that you will spare some time to give it a reading and support the government in its passage through the Parliament in due course with the same spirit and determination that you exhibited during recent All Parties Conference," the letter concluded.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also received a briefing from Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan about the progress on talks with Taliban subsequent to a letter by the opposition leader Syed Khurshid Shah. Khurshid stated that more than one and half months has past since APC that had given mandate to the government for holding talks with the Taliban for peace in the country. He said the Parliament and all the political parties must be taken into confidence. He said the nation is in complete darkness about any progress regarding talks.
The Prime Minister said all political parties would be taken into confidence with regard to the progress of dialogue with the Taliban. The Prime Minister expressed these views in a meeting with Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar who called on him. Sharif said all political parties had mandated the government through APC to hold dialogue with the Taliban. The representatives of different political parties should feel as part of the process, added the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said peace and security are pivotal for economic development and prosperity.